The European Commission recently published the country reports under the
European Semester 2019, analysing the social and economic situation in each EU
member state. The country reports include more examples and analysis related to
specific urban challenges than in any other previous country reports
beforehand, which is good news for cities.

Coinciding with the launch of the city pledges at the European Parliament on 21
February, EUROCITIES also launched a new report mapping cities’ policy measures
in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The report
covers 20 cities in 12 countries governing a total of 20 million people.

21 cities, representing more than 20 million citizens have presented their
pledges to act on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights
through dedicated investments for city measures. In total, the 21 cities pledge
to invest €4.32 billion to fight poverty and social exclusion over the next 5
years.

Within the framework of our new EUROCITIES initiative 'Inclusive Cities for
All: Social Rights in My City', 21 cities have adopted pledges showing how they
act to translate the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights into
actions to improve people's lives.

Today, Utrecht became the 20th city to sign a pledge to the European Pillar of
Social Rights. The Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs, Maarten van Ooijen, who is
also our vice-chair of the EUROCITIES Social Affairs Forum, signed a strong
commitment to principle 19 on housing and assistance for the homeless.

Lille Metropole is the 17th city to sign a pledge to the European Pillar of
Social Rights. The President of Lille Metropole, Damien Castelain, signed a
pledge to provide active support to employment (principle 4), ensure equal
opportunities (principle 3) and promote secure and adaptable employment
(principle 5).

Malmo became the 18th city to sign a pledge to the European Pillar of Social
Rights. The Mayor of Malmo Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh signed a strong commitment
to ensure equal opportunities (principle 3) and provide active support to
employment (principle 4).